BBC One viewers were shocked by her exit, with Charlotte explaining to ITV’s Lorraine: “I knew it was going to happen and I still howled like a child.” It was such a hard decision to make. I love it, it’s the most wonderful job.

She added: “It just was the time to go I think. Barbara my character had such a gorgeous arc.

Call The Midwife’s Charlotte Ritchie admitted she 'howled like a child' after watching her character die [ITV]

"She’s come to Nonnatus House really haphazardly, with no confidence and then left with a husband and so many friends and grown up.”

But why did Charlotte exit the show and what have been her career highlights so far?

Lead role and Harry Potter 2004 - 2005

Charlotte played a lead in the short film – The Open Doors – with Michael Sheen in 2004.

She was also an extra in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005.

Call The Midwife star was married to the Reverend on the BBC One show [BBC]

All Angels - 2006

Aside from acting, Charlotte is a four-piece band called All Angels.

The band are a classical crossover group and have had a lot os success, as well as an album in the charts and nominated at the Classical BRIT Awards.

The most shocking TV moments of 2017

The most shocking TV moments of 2017

Lauren and Abi's fall on EastEnders' Christmas Day special left viewers gobsmacked as the future of two of Albert Square's biggest characters looked to come to an end
[BBC]

The most shocking TV moments of 2017 includes rows in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Love Island re-couplings and an I'm A Celebrity first – click here to see all the best television moments from the past year